Podcast: Women in ERP Series: In collaboration with SAP Business Women's Network Host: Abigail Allman | Guest Co-Host: Meena Confait, Co-Chair, SAP Business Women's Network

Keywords: active listening, psychological safety, women in tech, ERP careers, inclusive leadership, SAP Business Women's Network, career inflection points, senior allies, HR strategy, enterprise leadership, S/4HANA, SAP ecosystem

This episode explores how being truly listened to can become the most defining moment in a career — particularly for professionals in enterprise technology, ERP, and SAP environments. Host Abigail Allman and guest co-host Meena Confait are joined by senior SAP leaders to examine how listening, belonging, and inclusive leadership drive individual career growth and measurable business performance.

Manos Raptopoulos Global President, Customer Success — Europe, APAC, MEA, SAP

Carla Masperi Managing Director, SAP Italy

Yvonne McArdle Global HR Business Partner, SAP

Claire McPeak Director of Communications, SAP Middle East & North Africa

• What is a career inflection point? A moment — often triggered by a leader genuinely listening — that unlocks confidence, opportunity, and professional momentum.
• How does active listening affect performance in tech? It builds psychological safety and trust, often achieving more than a formal promotion ever could.
• What responsibility do senior leaders carry? Manos and Carla explore how executives shape environments where diverse voices are amplified, not just invited.
• How can HR drive talent acceleration? Yvonne McArdle examines how HR identifies potential, creates stretch opportunities, and turns listening into action.
• Why does internal storytelling matter? Claire McPeak on how narrative and visibility inside organisations shapes who gets heard — and who progresses.

🔹 Listening as Leadership — Active listening is a leadership competency. Career acceleration often begins with "I hear you," not a promotion.

🔹 Belonging as Commercial Advantage — Inclusive environments where people feel safe to speak and challenge translate belonging from aspiration into business outcome.

🔹 Senior Allyship — Executives in the SAP ecosystem have outsized influence over whose voices are amplified. This episode makes the case for intentional allyship at the top.

🔹 HR as Strategic Catalyst — HR can identify high-potential talent and create conditions where listening becomes tangible opportunity.

🔹 Narrative & Visibility — How stories are told inside organisations directly impacts career progression for underrepresented professionals in tech.

Whether you work in S/4HANA implementation, customer success, enterprise HR, or communications, this episode reframes inclusion as a commercial and operational priority — not just a cultural one. Essential listening for anyone navigating leadership and career growth in the SAP ecosystem.

The first episode in a series produced in partnership with SAP's Business Women's Network — a global community advancing women in technology and business. Grounded in practical action, honest reflection, and shared accountability.

"The most career-defining conversation isn't the one where you speak the loudest. It's the one where someone truly listens."

Related: SAP S/4HANA | Women in ERP | Enterprise Leadership | Psychological Safety | SAP Partner Ecosystem | Inclusive Culture | Career Development in Tech

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Recorded in 2024 live from SAP Dublin as part of the SAP Business Women's Network sessions, Meet two trailblazing women, Elmarie Caniffe of Heineken and Maria Jose Loret Crespo formally of Aptiv, who are breaking barriers in male dominant industries and redefining leadership in the ERP industry.

Elmarie shares her transformative 25-year journey at Heineken, revealing how innovative projects like SAP implementation have been pivotal in her career. Meanwhile, Maria invites us into her world, reflecting on how a childhood fascination with thunderstorms in Spain sparked her passion for numbers and logic. Together, their stories illuminate the profound impact of personal experiences on professional growth, underscoring the importance of diversity and inclusion in shaping successful careers.

The episode also unpacks the complex landscape women navigate to balance professional ambitions with family responsibilities. Through candid conversations, we explore the pressing need for supportive networks and organizational flexibility, which are crucial in building confidence and encouraging women to pursue their career goals.

The discussion brings into focus societal expectations and childcare costs, advocating for policy reforms to ensure that women aren't sidelined in the workforce due to these challenges.

We emphasize the necessity of strong allies, both male and female, in fostering an environment where women can thrive and overcome self-doubt.

As we shift gears, we delve into Heineken's ambitious digital transformation through its Evergreen strategy, highlighting how AI and ERP innovations are revolutionizing the brewing industry. This journey isn't just about technology; it's about cultivating a culture of diversity and inclusion to drive innovation and productivity. From the impact of diverse teams at Murphy's Breweries in Cork to the global efforts in achieving gender balance, we reveal how embracing diverse perspectives leads to better business outcomes.

By creating spaces for growth and collaboration, Heineken showcases the immense value of a diverse workforce in navigating complex transformation journeys.

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In this engaging episode of the Women in ERP podcast, hosted by Abigail Allman, we are joined by Kelly Dowling, the Director of Strategic Topics and Communities at ASUG (the American SAP User Group). Kelly shares her inspiring journey from event coordination at the University of Notre Dame to becoming a pivotal figure in the SAP community. She emphasizes the transformative power of community in navigating the complexities of SAP transformations and how ASUG serves as a vital resource for SAP users.

Kelly discusses the crucial role of SAP user groups in providing invaluable resources and expertise, streamlining access to critical information, and saving valuable time for organizations. Through real-world examples, she illustrates how community guidance has significantly benefited businesses, including assisting volunteers in attending impactful SAP events. The episode also highlights ASUG's dedication to fostering connections at the Sapphire conference and empowering women in the SAP community.

Listeners will explore how embracing change and continuous learning can be superpowers in the ever-evolving world of enterprise technology. Packed with insights, the episode delves into how businesses can navigate the overwhelming landscape of AI through SAP solutions, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and networking. Kelly encourages women in enterprise technology to embrace curiosity and seize new opportunities, sharing her personal superpower of embracing change.

Join us as we delve into the essential value of community in the SAP world, the empowering initiatives of ASUG, and the promising future for women in enterprise technology. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of SAP transformations and community engagement.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.